The new Learjet 70 and Learjet 75 aircraft build on legendary Learjet strengths and successes while leveraging Learjet 85 aircraft technology. The jets will feature a new modern design interior, a next generation cabin management system, the Vision Flight Deck with a state-of-the-art avionics suite, superior aircraft performance and low operating costs. Entry-into-service is scheduled for the first half of 2013.

Performance

The aircraft will have enhanced performance through an engine thrust increase with an improved Honeywell engine, offering improved takeoff field length performance over its predecessor. The new systems will also contribute to weight savings gain and the new canted winglets will improve aerodynamic efficiency. Overall, up to a nine per cent improvement in field performance under hot and high conditions* and up to a four per cent improvement in fuel efficiency are expected.

Cabin

Based on the Learjet 85 aircraft interior design and technology, the Learjet 70 and Learjet 75 aircraft include: improved comfort and styling of the seats; cabin management system featuring individual touchscreen monitors with full audio and video control; LED lighting throughout the entire aircraft; a generous baggage suite and a spacious galley for optimized catering, work and storage space. The advanced connectivity options of the Learjet 70 and Learjet 75 aircraft will ensure the highest levels of convenience.

Vision Flight Deck

A breakthrough in business aviation, the Vision Flight Deck is designed to deliver a completely new cockpit experience. By combining the best in technological advancements with superior design aesthetics, it provides pilots flying Bombardier’s Learjet 70 and Learjet 75 aircraft an unprecedented level of control and comfort. The Vision Flight Deck for Learjet 70 and Learjet 75 aircraft will feature the fully integrated Garmin G5000 digital avionics suite, designed with leading edge technology and one of the most intuitive crew interfaces available.

Read more about the Learjet 70 & 75

GULFSTREAM V FLEET ACHIEVES ONE MILLION FLIGHT HOURS

Large-Cabin, Ultra-Long Range Aircraft Surpasses 450,000 Landings

SAVANNAH, Ga., May 13, 2012 — Nearly 15 years after its entry-into-service, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp.’s first ultra-long range business jet – the Gulfstream GV – has surpassed one million flight hours.

“This milestone reflects the safety, performance and reliability of these aircraft,” said Pres Henne, senior vice president, Programs, Engineering and Test, Gulfstream.

The GV remains an extremely reliable aircraft, currently operating at an NBAA dispatch reliability rate of 99.82. Over the past 15 years, the GV in-service fleet has completed more than 458,000 takeoffs and landings. The GV fleet leader has flown more than 16,100 flight hours and completed more than 7,400 landings.

The GV rolled out in September 1995 and was manufactured simultaneously alongside the GIV-SP.  Within a few months of the GV’s first delivery in June 1997, its development team was awarded the 1997 Robert J. Collier Trophy, the highest honor in aeronautics and astronautics in North America.

The GV was the launch aircraft for the BR710 engine by what was then BMW/Rolls-Royce, now wholly owned by Rolls-Royce. The engine was the first member of the very successful BR700 engine family. New technologies made it very light and fuel efficient with an excellent take-off and climb performance.

“Rolls-Royce congratulates Gulfstream on this milestone for the GV, the first aircraft to be powered by our BR710 engine,” said Scott Shannon, executive vice president, Customer Business, Civil Small and Medium Engines, Rolls-Royce. “The GV has delivered outstanding performance and reliability and we are proud to have played our part in its success.”

A total of 193 GVs were manufactured. The aircraft has been certified in 55 countries, including 31 European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) countries. The holder of more than 60 world aviation records, the GV can fly 6,500 nautical miles non-stop, cruise at speeds up to Mach 0.885 and reach altitudes of 51,000 feet, well above commercial traffic.

The robust construction, versatility and reliability of the Gulfstream V make it highly desirable for use as a special mission aircraft. For example, GVs are used for weather research, electronic intelligence, medical evacuation and maritime patrol. The GV also serves the U.S. Air Force and presidential fleet under the C-37A designation.

The article notes that low pricing is another sign banks are feeling the pressure. FlightGlobal quotes Michael Amalfitano, head of corporate aircraft finance at Banc of America Leasing, as saying, “There is increased competition in the market owing to the number of financiers returning to the market post downtown.”

To read the full text of the FlightGlobal article: click here.

WICHITA, Kan. (May 7, 2012) – Hawker Beechcraft Global Customer Support (GCS) today announced the successful first flight of the Hawker 400XPR engine test article. This was the first flight of an upgraded aircraft with new Williams International FJ44-4A-32 engines.

The Hawker 400XPR upgrade combines the increased power of the Williams International FJ44-4A-32 engines with the superior aerodynamics of genuine Hawker Winglets. Also available are optional Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21™ avionics and a number of system enhancements that significantly improve performance, operating cost and resale value. The company anticipates certification in September 2012.

“The first flight of the Hawker 400XPR engine test article is a major milestone and significant achievement for our design and production teams,” said Christi Tannahill, senior vice president, Hawker Beechcraft GCS. “Hawker Beechcraft and its partners spent countless hours and great effort to ensure the Hawker 400XPR exceeds the needs our customers require in their light-jet aircraft. We continue to see great demand for this upgrade in the market and look forward to certification and deliveries commencing later in the year.”

Hawker Beechcraft offers customized XPR upgrade packages for existing Hawker/Beechjet 400 owners as well as XPR Factory Completed Aircraft for those who do not currently own an aircraft. Both the XPR upgrade and Factory Completed Aircraft include performance, cost and reliability enhancements that are available only through Hawker Beechcraft. Importantly, the enhancements are the exclusive factory-designed, engineered and supported upgrades available for the Hawker/Beechjet 400.

As part of the prearranged restructuring, Hawker Beechcraft obtained a commitment for $400 million in Debtor-in-Possession (DIP) financing, which will enable it to continue paying employees, suppliers, vendors and others in the normal course of business.

Robert S. (Steve) Miller, CEO of Hawker Beechcraft, Inc., said, “We are pleased to have reached an agreement with our largest lenders and bondholders on a solution to stabilize and improve our capital structure. In the last three years, the company has made aggressive transformational changes in all operational functions, and today’s announcement represents the next step forward. Restructuring our balance sheet and recapitalizing the company in partnership with our debtholders will dramatically improve Hawker Beechcraft’s ability to compete in a rapidly changing environment.”

Hawker Beechcraft continues to operate in the normal course of business and serve its customers around the world. All orders for available products will be fulfilled and the company’s commitment to providing the best products and service in the industry remains unchanged. Further, the company will comply with all Department of Defense acquisition and maintenance contracts, as well as agreements with international air forces including, but not limited to, the recently announced sale of T-6C+ trainer aircraft to Mexico. Hawker Beechcraft is also committed to moving forward with its bid to provide the U.S. Air Force with the AT-6 in support of the Light Air Support contract.

Reorganization Plan

A prearranged Chapter 11 filing means the company has secured the support of a majority of its lenders and senior bondholders for its proposed financial restructuring prior to the Chapter 11 filing with the Court. Financial institutions representing more than two-thirds the company’s bank and senior bond debt are parties to the agreement.

Upon confirmation by the Court and consummation of the plan, equity ownership in Hawker Beechcraft will be transferred to holders of the company’s secured debt, bond debt and certain other unsecured creditors.

Business Continuity

Hawker Beechcraft will continue its operations without interruption and meet its ongoing commitments to customers during the restructuring process. Specifically, deposits and progress payments will be secure and all customer orders for available products will be fulfilled. The company believes the size of the DIP financing commitment will be sufficient to maintain adequate and stable working capital and liquidity positions. The company expects to meet its obligations to its suppliers and employees in the ordinary course during the recapitalization process.

Miller continued, “As we have worked to develop this long-term plan to recapitalize the company and strongly position Hawker Beechcraft for the future, our employees have continued to build the best airplanes in the world and provide our owners with the most comprehensive global customer support in the industry. The protections provided by the U.S. Bankruptcy Code and the financing commitment we have obtained put Hawker Beechcraft in a great position to continue to do so throughout the restructuring process.”

Financing

The agreement includes a commitment from certain members of the senior lender group to provide $400 million in DIP financing, which the company expects will ensure sufficient liquidity during the reorganization process. Upon approval, this DIP facility will be available to fund Hawker Beechcraft’s operations, pay its suppliers and vendors, and for other corporate purposes.

Background on Chapter 11

Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code allows a company to continue operating its business and managing its assets in the ordinary course of business. The U.S. Congress enacted Chapter 11 to encourage and enable a company to continue to operate while restructuring its business, thereby preserving jobs and maximizing the recovery for all its stakeholders.

Important Note

The transaction described above is subject to numerous closing conditions and is not an offer to sell securities or a solicitation of an offer to purchase any securities.

The company’s legal representative is Kirkland & Ellis LLP, its financial advisor is Perella Weinberg Partners LP and its restructuring advisor is Alvarez & Marsal.

This release is not intended as a solicitation for a vote on the Plan of Reorganization.

Hawker Beechcraft, Inc., the parent company of Hawker Beechcraft Corporation, is a world-leading manufacturer of business, special mission, light attack and trainer aircraft – designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company’s headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Little Rock, Ark.; Chester, England, U.K.; and Chihuahua, Mexico. The company leads the industry with a global network of more than 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers. For more information, visit www.hawkerbeechcraft.com.

Media contact:
Nicole Alexander
+1.316.676.3212
Nicole_Alexander@hawkerbeechcraft.com
www.hawkerbeechcraft.com

A production certificate allows a company to manufacture aircraft and parts in conformance with FAA-approved type design, and is only granted when the FAA has determined that the organization’s manufacturing processes and quality systems comply with all federal regulations.

“Armed now with a fully certified aircraft, a certified production process, and an established supply chain, Eclipse is well positioned to re-introduce the Eclipse Jet to new production. Earning our FAA production certificate means we have successfully built a reliable, high-quality manufacturing process, and are well positioned to expedite aircraft deliveries,” said Winter.

The rigorous FAA production certificate approval process includes the exhaustive evaluation of an organization’s manufacturing processes, quality control, and production inspection system. A team of FAA inspectors performs multiple audits on the organization and examines approved design data for compliance.

“This was a great effort by our Quality, Engineering, Production, Supply Chain, and Facilities teams. We also appreciate the professionalism and dedication the FAA MIDO demonstrated throughout this initiative, and look forward to advancing the Eclipse 550 aircraft to full scale production,” commented Winter.

The new model Eclipse 550 twin-engine jet is built upon the same proven Eclipse 500 platform, but will deliver with the next evolution of aircraft systems for general aviation jets. Systems upgrades include auto-throttles, synthetic vision, enhanced vision, and a redundant flight management system. First deliveries are expected in mid 2013.

The waning years of WWII saw the introduction of the first jet fighter  planes. Though the popular image is that Germany was the first to develop them,  British pioneer Frank Whittle had drawing board designs of a jet plane as early  as the mid-1930s.

After the end of the war, commercial airlines quickly realized the value of  these faster planes. Everyone wants to get where they want to go sooner. Less  time in the air means less jet lag, less stress from engine and wind noise, and  more time on the ground to take care of business. For upscale business  travelers, those goals were first approached in the mid-1960s.

Alongside the development of large, commercial airlines’ use of jets – the  famous Boeing 727 and its later cousins – there grew up a cottage industry of  smaller jets designed primarily for ultra-rich customers.

Learjet, Lockheed JetStar and the Gulfstream II were the ultimate expressions  of those design goals at the time. Selling for around $1 million (a hefty price  tag forty years ago), these hand-built air limousines were heavily used by  oil-rich sheiks and the J. Paul Getty’s of the day.

For the younger crowd, J. Paul Getty was one of the richest men in the world  from the 1940s until his death in 1976. The Bill Gates of his day – only his  money came from oil not computers – he was the first individual to crack the $1  billion mark.

Gulfstream’s GII had room for twelve and the interiors were as classy as the  rooms of the most elegant hotels, with powerful motors for long range travel.  That tradition continued to the mid-1980s and beyond. In 1985, the GIV weighed  in at 74,600 lbs (33,900 kg) and had a range of 4,200 nautical miles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Mitchell

by Helen Mahoney

Boeing is one of the most popular aircraft in the world. Based in Seattle, Washington, Boeing was founded in 1916 and employs over 55-million as of 2008. Their most popular model, the 737 jet which took its first flight in 1967, has now become a scaled-down version.

These rearranged airplanes are referred to as private business jets. Boeing’s jets are all factory conversions of Boeing airliners. Some of the jets are able to seat between 25 and 50 passengers in luxury, and include master bedrooms, washrooms with shower(s), a dining/conference area, and a living area. The Boeing Business Jet 2 is based on the 737-800.

Boeing advertises their jets for large scale business. When you need a plane large enough to handle your business, yet wish to fly in luxury, the BBJ2 is a solid choice. The Boeing jet has a range of up to 5,735 nautical miles, and offers passengers (up to 19 in the BBJ2 Multiflight model) 3 times more personal space than conventional jets.

The max speed of.82 Mach (over 600mph) ensures that you’ll get to where you’re going fast. The comfortable cruising altitude is above the clouds at 41,000 feet, cutting down on the turbulence and the panic-stricken passengers who scream when the plane jolts.

The new Multiflight Ltd BBJ2 is a sight to behold. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind sky-bound wonder. This version features surround sound in both cabins, a dining area in both cabins, and two ultra luxurious bathrooms. The extra large galley allows 5-star quality food to be prepared and served onboard.

And if you fly with a service, the huge HD TVs are there to display any movie from an enormous selection. Manufacturers went to great lengths to reduce cabin pressure and noise, making the flight less annoying and tiresome, and more enjoyable. In each seat, passengers have access to a phone and fax machine.

To purchase a Boeing Business Jet 2, you’d have to pay a whopping $55-million. But unless you’re John Travolta, renting this bad boy out for a business trip is probably the best way to go. The steep price, however, does buy a lot.

You get the reliability of 2 CFM International CFM56-7 turbofans with 117.4kN thrust each, which is all the power you could ever need. You also get one of the most luxurious rides of your life, time and time again. The spacious and stylish cabin exterior resembles the world’s finest luxury hotel suites. And if you’re lucky enough to stay in the master bedroom, you probably couldn’t tell the difference.   2 crew members fly the jet, and some BBJ2 models can carry up to 63 passengers. It has a length of 39.47 meters, wingspan of 35.79 meters, height of 12.05 meters, and weighs over 100,000 pounds when empty. It’s not exactly dainty, but the BBJ2 is a world-class private jet that everyone should experience a ride in at least once.

Visit http://www.casinoman.net for more articles and more information about the lifestyles of the rich and famous.   Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Helen_Mahoney

Deliveries Scheduled For 2012

SAVANNAH, Ga., March 2, 2012 — Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. announced today that the Gulfstream G280 has received a provisional type certificate (PTC) from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It obtained a PTC from the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI) on Dec. 29, 2011.

The principal remaining item required before full type certificates are issued by the FAA and CAAI is an update to the software for the aircraft’s state-of-the-art avionics. Gulfstream expects to receive full type certification from both later this year.

“The G280 will be the fastest, largest, most comfortable aircraft in its class, and we are very pleased with its performance throughout the flight-test program,” said Larry Flynn, president, Gulfstream. “With these certificates in hand, we are now able to move forward in preparation for customer deliveries later this year, as scheduled.”

When delivered, the G280 will exceed the performance specifications outlined when the program was publicly announced in October 2008. The aircraft’s range is 3,600 nautical miles (6,667 km) at Mach 0.80, an increase of 200 nautical miles over original projections. Its balanced field length is 210 feet less than originally announced, allowing it to take off from runways of 4,750 feet (1,448 m) or less. That’s an improvement of more than 1,300 feet compared to the aircraft it replaces, the G200.

The three G280 aircraft in the flight-test program have flown more than 1,845 hours during more than 685 flights, while the fatigue test article (F1) has completed more than 14,300 of 40,000 cycles.

Additional achievements include the successful completion of wet runway, crosswind and maximum energy brake testing.

Serial Number (S/N) 2003, the third aircraft to join the flight-test program, has finished the tests required of it for type certification. That aircraft will now be transitioned to the testing of optional avionics features, including the Head-Up Display (HUD II) and Enhanced Vision System (EVS II).

S/N 2004, the first production aircraft, was outfitted and painted last year for an appearance at the 2011 National Business Aviation Association Convention & Meeting in Las Vegas. It is undergoing final upgrades in anticipation of its delivery later this year.

PTCs have been common in general aviation programs over the past 15 years. Both the Gulfstream V and the Gulfstream G550 were issued PTCs before receiving full certification. The Gulfstream G650 received PTC from the FAA in November 2011.

How to evaluate a fractional jet ownership company

Whether you’re shopping for a fractional jet for business use or family travel, it’s always good to look before you leap. Before buying into a programme, evaluate the company offering it. The aviation professionals you consult with should be happy to answer your questions and to offer a viable and attractive package to suit your travel requirements.

Here are some key points to consider when investigating a fractional jet ownership programme:

Financial position

The financial strength of the company is very important. You are not only buying an asset, you are also forming a long-term business partnership. A sound financial position is the best way to guard against business failure and to ensure that maintenance, training, service and safety are not compromised, thereby reducing the value of your investment.

Aircraft selection

More is better. The larger a fractional jet programme’s fleet, the more it has to offer and the better it can serve your needs. Here are some questions to ask:

1. How many planes are in the fleet?
2. Are planes available in a variety of sizes?
3. What’s the average age of the planes?
4. Does the company guarantee aircraft access?
5. How long is the notification period when requesting a jet?

International travel

With business jets especially, global travel is a prime consideration. Look for a fractional ownership company that provides for global travel and handles it in-house. Safety and service should be the same whether flying domestic or abroad.

Professional experience

The company you are considering should have an excellent track record of safety and service. Some points to consider:

1. How long has the company been in business?
2. How many flights are operated annually?
3. How many destinations are served globally?
4. What is the company’s safety accreditation?

Safety considerations

1. How high is the company’s commitment to safety?
2. Where do pilots receive training, and how reputable is that training?
3. Does the company employ in-house meteorologists?
4. Is there a senior supervising pilot available to assist pilots in flight?
5. How often and where is fleet maintenance performed?
6. What are the safety records of the planes in the fleet?
7. Are new additions equipped with state-of-the-art safety systems?
8. What are the pilot selection and training requirements?
9. How many training hours do pilots receive annually?
10. Do the airports served by the programme get audited regularly?

Customer service

More than a factional jet ownership interest, you are also investing in a company that will personally manage your travel arrangements. Consider the following questions:

1. Does the programme honour its scheduling commitments?
2. Does it provide ground transportation, security and catering?
3. How many pilots does the company employ?
4. Are the facilities state-of-the-art?

Taking an in-depth look at the fractional business jet ownership company you are considering is one way to get the most from your investment. Whether you want business jets, private jets or both, put the same care into your research as you would with any high-end investment.